Okay I'm not sure why; but my story breaks are not showing up in my story. Sorry for any confusion that came because of that, & I'll find a way to separate them a different way. Also, thanks you guys for the 20 reviews =]. If you're going to add me to story alert, or favorite story, or favorite author (Which is like the biggest honor don't get me wrong) you might as well throw in a tinny weenie review. Those keep me going lovely readers. So okay, 5th chapter, time to pull out the big guns ;) long chapters, cranked up drama & endless screaming at the screen as you read for everyone! Yay! Anyways enough of my pestering. Read & enjoy. -AF
Chapter 5-
Dark.
Quiet.
Seclusion.
Hatred.
Anger.
Forgiveness?
Rin brought her knees tighter against her. She had a horrible headache.
"It doesn't matter what happened then, Sesshomaru. You can start over, now."
Had she really meant that? She shuddered; breathed out shaky breaths; rubbed her clammy hands. An explanation was what she needed. But would that suffice?
Would that fill the void she felt knowing that he committed such treachery? Her legs trembled, but she stood. Her feet were numb, but she gripped the door knob. Light fluttered into the room, momentarily blinding her.
And she ran.
Ran down the hall;
Ran down the stairs;
Right into his study.
She didn't bother knocking. He snapped his head up at her entrance, and he was quickly standing. A few books tumbled to the floor. They stood there, starring at each other, but not really looking at each other.
Rin ran her fingers through her hair. The look in her eyes was frantic. "There has to be an explanation." She fell into the couch behind her; a lost expression surfaced on her face. "Or, maybe you're just a monster."
He didn't say anything. He slowly sat back down in his seat. " I did do what I had to do. I do not wish or feel compelled to take it back." She glared at him then. "Then how is that? How could you tell me you love me but hurt me so bad?"
He was silent. The air was thick with tension. Nodding suddenly, Rin smiled to herself. She stood. "Good bye, Sesshomaru." Her fingers were gracing the door when she heard him speak so quietly. "When we met, you were so young. Still so very impressionable. You stuck to me like we were truly one. I never knew why I let you stay with me.
I must have known my cold demeanor would suck the life out of you. And it did. I watched you slowly die, and then re-birth a different person. I destroyed your happiness, your optimism, your very soul. You became me… and I love every moment of it."
The glare in his eyes was almost malicious. It caused Rin to inch further across the room.
What wasn't this man capable of?
" I forgot that you were human. I pushed you to become something you were not purely for my own satisfaction. I molded you into my wife. But you happened to be my soul mate by some crazy chance. When I realized this, I knew that I would never know my mate for who she truly was.
Even so, I didn't see that your human heart still beat. You were still Rin, but it was hidden. Hidden to please me." He paused. Rin was sitting now, standing being too much of a challenge, and staring with wide eyes into her lap.
"When I took you as my wife, everyone was unhappy. Threats on your life were countless. A demon and a human bond was unheard of, especially for a great ruler as I was. But you were strong. You exerted your power and position until they were forced to accept it.
Inside, you were breaking. Your heart was beginning to fade. You were becoming…less harsh. Less like me. And then you became pregnant. Usually, you went to see the potionis, as there was not contraceptive then and you were pupped frequently.
But this time, you hid it from me. You lied and said you took care of it, but you just hid its scent. Months went by and you were showing the signs. Your stomach was becoming more round, but you hid it all very well.
You insisted on looser kimono's. The day I realized you were pregnant…I lost my mind. You were ready have the child born. I couldn't let that happen. I wanted you strong, and heartless. I knew this child was going to change you. Going to change me."
The room was quiet. Silent tears fell down Rin's pale cheeks.
"So selfish. How could you?"
Sesshomaru rubbed his face.
"300 years ago Rin, I was the strongest, most feared demon ruler in the western nation. I was a different man then. I didn't care, I was selfish, I wasa monster. These things I do not deny. I destroyed my mate, and my potential child."
He walked across the room; touched her neck; tilted her face upwards.
"I can't tell you I'm sorry, Rin. But I can say that right now, I will do everything in my power to keep you the way you are."
Her eyes glistened, and she let her fingers caress his cheek. He took her hand in his and rubbed it against his face before kissing it tenderly.
"This is why you can't stay with me, Rin." He pulled away, and turned his back. Rin was silent; she pulled her legs up to her chin. "I know…I can't. But, my body won't let me leave."
Sesshomaru kept his back to her, his voice was hard.
"If you don't, you'll die again. I'll suck the life out of you. You'll never have children. Is that what you want?"
She sniffed, and rubbed her nose.
"You said you were different, that you changed!"
He chuckled, and let his claws detangle his hair.
"It doesn't matter Rin. The memories will come back to you. You'll remember the things I did, the way I treated you everyday…" He sat. "A relationship now will be nearly impossible once you realized who I was. Who I still am."
He looked at her with a furious expression.
"Your still human, Rin. Nothing changes."
He closed his eyes, and breathed out. A few moments later, he felt her small frame climb into his lap. Her lips pressed against his temple. Amber eyes stared into light brown ones.
"I'm sorry, but you're not going to get rid of me that easy."
She leaned into his ear, "You loved me before when I was still a human, Sesshomaru."
He brushed her hair out of her face. "What's broken can not be fixed, mate."
V
The days, they carried on. Rin surprised herself. Every night, just like Sesshomaru had promised, the memories came back to her. One by one. With each one came a higher level of pain, of suffering, and it was all she could do to stomach it. He was right. She could no longer deny it with hope. A relationship beyond this point was inarguably impossible.
V
"Sesshomaru?"
Her protector turned his head slightly; his eyes were bright red.
"Do as you're told, Rin."
She stared at him with the innocence of a 13 year old child. But he would have none of that.
"Rin."
He was growling now. Rin looked down at the pig. It looked up at her with question, occasionally squealing when Sesshomaru pressed down on his foot too hard. She looked back at Sesshomaru.
"I do not wish to become like you, my lord."
With that she turned, and walked away. Tears wet her small cheeks as they fell from her huge childlike eyes.
V
She wished that it never happened. That they could maybe start over. Do it different.
V
Rin laughed, and scooted closer to Adam. The teenage boy smiled, and let his arm fall around her. The 18 year olds gazed at each other.
"Your so beautiful, Rin."
She blushed, and looked away.
"Thanks Adam. No one's every said that to me before."
He caressed her cheek.
"I'd tell you every morning you woke up if could. Rin?"
She locked eyes with him again, smiling faintly.
"Yeah?"
He leaned in, and kissed her gently. Shocked, Rin froze for a few seconds, and then pulled away quickly.
"Adam, don't do that! What if he sees?"
Adam rolled his eyes, and grabbed her hands.
"Rin, I love you. You don't have to be with him anymore. Come with me. Marry me Rin, please?"
Blushing, she took her hands away.
"I'm sorry, but you know I love him already."
Adam clenched his teeth; annoyance obvious on his features.
"How? He treats you so bad Rin. He's never even said he loved you back I bet. What does he have that I don't?"
Rin frowned then, standing up to look down at him.
"I don't know why, Adam. Sesshomaru may not have said it, and he doesn't need to. I love him, because I must. I'm the only one who can save him, can't you see? So I can't leave him. Not now, not ever."
He stood up with her, and grabbed her arm. She gasped when her back hit a tree, and Adam pulled her forward in a ferocious kiss. Her attempts to push him away went unnoticed, and she began to struggle when he started pulling up her kimono.
"I'll show you what he won't ever give you, Rin."
She fell limp, and refused to meet his eyes. Suddenly, he was gone. Ripped from her and thrown twenty feet away. Sesshomaru growled and lifted him from the ground by his neck.
"You dare to even think about touching her!"
Adam gasped for air but found none; his fingers clawed at Sesshomaru's tight ones.
"No! Sesshomaru, please! Don't kill him…"
He glanced at her, and at that moment she heard a sickening crack. Adam stopped struggling, and his dead body fell like a heap on the ground. She covered her mouth with her hand.
In seconds, she was up running towards him, kicking, screaming, punching him as best she could. He of course restricted her; wrapping his arms tightly around her and growling in her ear.
"No one may touch you, Rin."
She cried; fast harsh tears that lit fire down her face. And he held her, begging her to stop. His mark was burned red; he was connected with her, one with her pain.
"Why do you cry? Why do you feel these things for these little boys when you know I can sense it, I can feel it? You can't leave me, Rin."
She looked up at him then; her brown eyes tainted from crying.
"I would never want to leave, Sesshomaru. I gave myself to you, forever."
He growled, and nuzzled her neck.
"Tell me, do you still love me? After I just killed your lover, after what I have done to your very soul?"
Her fingers tangled in his hair and her eyes squeezed shut as she breathed in his forest scent.
"Of course. I will always love you…my mate."
They were quiet for a moment. Rin gazed openly at the body of the boy who was once so sweet and kind. And breathing.
"I'm not sorry, Rin. I will never be sorry for anything I have done, or will do to you."
She nodded, caressing his snow like hair.
"I know."
V
Rin signed. Her spoon spun in circles in her coffee, and then clinked to a stop. She didn't understand before. She would have these memories of them together, and it was always something so sad. Or equally disturbing.
She used to not understand why she never wanted to leave. She was always insisting on staying, on changing him, on loving him so dearly. Even in the end when she died from it, Rin was certain if she didn't die from blood loss she would of went back.
She always went back, and she understood why. Last night, when she dreamt of him again, it was different. And it changed everything. The answer was simple. It was her decision all along.
V
He was breathing heavy, leaning against a tree by his forearm and gripping his wounded abdomen with his free arm. When she tried to come near him, he growled.
"Sesshomaru let me help you."
"Go, Rin. I don't need your help."
She frowned, but pressed closer to him.
"Why? Why do you keep pushing me away? I just want to help."
When he didn't respond, she touched his arm.
"I love you, Sesshomaru."
She wasn't prepared for the growl that erupted from him or the bloody hue of his once amber eyes when he turned towards her.
"No, you don't. You think you do because I made you like that, Rin. You have a choice; you've had it all along."
He slid down the tree; his breath was still labored.
"I don't know how to love you back, Rin. I'm a demon, I kill, cause destruction, I make people fear. You will be miserable with me. I would never be who you want me to be, I will never change. You can't do it. So don't, tell me you love me. Leave. You need to leave, or I will destroy you slowly."
She was crying; sweet simple tears that fell softly and quietly to the ground. Rin fell to her knees, and touched his bloody hand tenderly.
"I know it has always been my choice. I know you can't love me today, or maybe ever. It doesn't matter to me what happens, because I can't live without you, Sesshomaru. I would rather be miserable with you then lost by myself. I'm going to stay, Sesshomaru, by your side. I will never leave. No matter how bad you treat me. Never."
He started at her; his eyes slowly faded back to their liquid amber color.
"You are a foolish 17 year old girl. You don't know what you're saying."
She nodded, and looked towards the fading sunset.
"I know what my heart says, and I know I won't give up on you. Not even when I die. I promise"
Vvvvvvvvvvvv
"We, have magic. And we are tragic."
She pushed a strand of hair behind her ears, and sipped the bitter coffee.
So that's why she never gave up hope. She made a promise, and no matter how hard or painful it was, she would not leave.
He changed though, didn't he? But it didn't matter. Not at all, because he was ruthless. Nothing short of a murderer. He kept her chained to him for all those years. Following in his shadows like an obedient puppet.
No.
It was time to break free. It was time to be Rin for a lifetime.
He knew this was the best thing to do; he had told her not too long ago. It would destroy her, and she didn't need that. Couldn't have that in her life.
And yet her heart screamed for her to reconsider. Her brain was trying to convince her that they were soul mates; meant to always be together.
Rin knew better though, that it didn't always work out for even destiny formed couples. She had to let go, turn her back. She would have to bury the strange connection and move on with her odd life. Something will undoubtedly always be missing, but she would learn to ignore it.
She had no choice but to. Her climb up the stairs and into her room was a long and slow venture. Passing his bed room threw a rush of replaying events into her mind. His hot breath; the soft and sensitive yet rough touches he raked over her body.
She could feel him near, on the other side of the closed bedroom door. Her hand came to lightly rest on it; her face pressed against the cool wood. A moment later, she knew he was there…waiting.
"I'm leaving."
There was nothing at first, and then she could hear him sliding a claw down the dark wood.
"I know."
Rin turned around then, and slid down to the ground. The plush carpet met her there, and the door pressed strongly against her back.
"Does it hurt you, as much as it's hurting me?"
The hall was dark as she neglected to turn on the light earlier. A gloomy feeling settled deep within her. The light was hard to find; there was nothing left to believe in.
"…No."
Her heart sank further, and she suddenly realized how the old Rin felt every time he discouraged her idiotic questions and thoughts. She wondered if everyday had been a plea to the gods to change him.
"After I died, did you remarry and have a heir you always wanted?"
There was a shuffle sound, like he walked away; then the door opened to reveal a half dressed demon. His hardened muscles and sculpted arms momentarily distracted her.
"If I told you I did, could you possibly detest me more so?"
She blinked stupidly at him, not sure how to answer at first.
"I don't…hate you."
In her heart, she knew instantly that she was lying. Her every ounce of being hated him for his selfish endeavors on her person. Yet, there was the destiny bond that pulled her back towards him. It was safe to say she was stuck in a love and hate relationship with this wicked man.
"Are you threatened that I do detest you?"
She watched him stare at her; watched as his bright eyes gleamed majestically.
"If given the chance, you would not kill me. There is no threat where you are concerned."
Anger fired up in her eyes, and Rin stood to match the once great lord.
"Answer my question. Or are you worried you will have to sleep with an eye open?"
He glared at her intensely. Even so Rin did not back down from his attempt to tame her. No longer was she going to be the easily bended girl that had followed him an entire lifetime.
"I re-married. Her name was Anna. I did not, however, have a heir with her. She proved infertile."
She knew we was watching her every facial muscle, and waiting for her to turn completely belligerent. Instead, she nodded. Her mind clearly registered that when she died, his life went on. No one was affected by one less little human woman.
Her mind was fading back to her earlier task, which included packing her things, when he made a very simple statement.
"When you died, my heart went with you, Rin. You were the only being I ever…cared for. Unfortunately, I was ignorant to how to display it."
She smiled to her self softly. She was a crash dummy to his inner emotions. How she wished she could turn the clock back, and change this day to something a bit more cheerful. Loving.
"Still, you won't apologize for it."
He gave her a long stare, and it made her shudder at the amount of thought that swirled in his amber pools. His hand tapped the door knob, and he made to slip back into his quiet sanctuary.
"You're correct. Even so, what would it help if I chose to?"
He did not wait for her to answer, because it was an obvious one he did not need to see if she knew. The door closed quietly, and she resumed her trudged back to her own area of seclusion. Her life was quickly becoming more then she could bear.
"Nothing, Sesshomaru. Nothing at all."
V
He was fully aware when she stepped into his room from the balcony. He chose to ignore her presence. He was angry, but not sorry. Not ever sorry.
He was fully aware he had tarnished his relationship with Rin. Yet, the past remained the past and there was nothing he would do to change the course of its actions. His heart was thoroughly disregarded; the feeling of his mate missing included.
If he had ever reached a love level with her, it evaded his ever-lasting preserved memory. He had always cared for her, enjoyed her brief period of her ruling, and even missed the select moments where she would stare up at him with a fixed expression of adoration.
A tiny pair of arms circled his neck, and Sesshomaru was roused from his silent thoughts. Thin lips pressed against his cheek, and he could feel her smile.
"Thinking again, Sesshomaru? She's not worth your thoughts."
She slid around to his view, and he took in her pale face and flashing emerald eyes. Her dark locks draped over her shoulders and caressed her butt. She rubbed the outline of his jaw with a lone finger.
"What are you doing here while she remains, Anna?"
She pouted; moving to situate herself in his lap more comfortably.
"I have been gone long enough. This is my home too. Tell her to hurry up and leave."
A mischievous look came to her face then, and she turned to glance achingly at the door.
"Of course, I can tell her myself…"
Her arm was yanked roughly, and she was thrown on the bed behind him. Sesshomaru angrily loamed over her.
"I'd kill you if you ever went near her." His teeth were clenched and his eyes tainted red. His wife squirmed beneath him, clearly annoyed.
"I was only joking, Sesshomaru. You wouldn't dare kill your own wife. I've been with your for centuries."
He sat back up, growling disdainfully.
"I know this all too well."
"And yet," Anna sat up as well; her eyes narrowed in slight irritation. "You treat that woman better then me, and she left you. She broke her promise."
She watched the glare in his eyes, examined the stiffness in his posture.
"You even had sex with the girl. How do you think I feel?"
She seemed to wait for an answer, but Sesshomaru turned away.
"I see. She will always be in the way. I will never have your full attention, not for as long as she exists."
Sesshomaru was quick to turn an accusing eye on her; his fists clenched together in an attempt not to hurt her.
"I would watch your tongue, Anna, because that wont exist in a few moments."
She looked disdainfully at him; feigning a hurt look.
"If you want her that bad, then I'll leave. Go ahead; claim her again as your mate before me as you did all those years back."
Anna turned and started to the balcony where she came. She didn't make it three steps when she felt his claw tipped hand encircle her wrist. A slow spreading smile claimed her features, but she twisted it into mock shame when she turned to look at her husband.
"Do not be so sensitive, Anna. Sit."
The demoness did as she was told; though with a look of obvious upset on her features. She shied away from his gaze.
"You smell like her, Sesshomaru." Her hand reached out to graze his cheeks; her claws creating three identical curved cuts.
"Can I?"
He regarded her with contempt, but in the end she was still his wife.
And he her husband.
And he owed a duty.
"Remove your clothes."
V
Anna yawn; her green eyes studied the spot Sesshomaru had been lying not too long ago.
He probably went to go watch Rin as she slept; a habit he had picked up from their earlier days. Jealously filled her veins.
She clutched the sheet around her naked body tighter. She may have had his body, his title, and the rest of eternity with him, but it wasn't enough. She wanted the object that was what she couldn't have the most. His love and affection.
Her fist balled up, leaving half moon red prints in her palm. He may never admit it to even himself, but he loved that woman more then anything in this world. Even when she died and he married her, she always was treated by him in a distant matter. It was as if Rin was still standing right in front of her. After all she went through to set her death up, Anna felt like her work was for nothing.
Even in death she still invaded his every thought. She could see it in his molten eyes. The day she staged Rin's murder; Anna smiled at the memory. At least she had some good moments in that. It was easy really, once she found out his high and inexplicable hatred for half-breeds.
Her plan had formulated quickly in her mind. For months she slipped Jargen power in her meals and daily tea. It was a herb that increased hormone productivity. Remembering, Anna smiled. The girl blew up like a balloon.
The next step of the plan was to whisper delicate lies into Sesshomaru's head.
"Sesshomaru, how displeased will the court be when your mate births that hanyou child?"
The taiyoukai stared at her intently. "What nonsense are you wasting my time with now, Anna?"
She put her hand to her lips, acting surprised. "I thought you surly knew…of Rin's pregnancy? In fact, she's in her room, ready to have it any moment." Her eyes watched him disappear, and averted to the snow falling outside.
What a perfect day for horrid mischief.
Anna climbed lazily out of the bed; stretching her aching limbs. Sesshomaru was leaving her sore now a days. Then again, he had never been too kind to her during sex. She pouted her tiny lips, and rested her chin on her hands.
Another equally evil plan formed in her head. It may just surpass the one 300 years ago. Her heart fluttered at the thought of having Sesshomaru all to herself, and rightfully so. She had to permanently erase Rin from the picture.
Apparently, even in death her memories still haunted her husband. Now with her in her own house, the situation would intensify. He would be even more distance, less tolerate, and repeatedly absent.
She wouldn't let that happen. Rin had to be taken from him in another way then death. And her perfect little brain had just the right remedy this time around. She would not lose again. Instead, she would come out his mate.
And Rin, an invisible girl who never existed. Quite literally.
A sudden presence made her snap her head back towards the darkest corner of the room. Sesshomaru was seated in a chair; his eyes were suspiciously examining her.
Was he there the entire time?
"Sesshomaru, you scared me."
He ignored her statement.
"What are you smiling about I wonder, Anna."
She flicked her long hair, and smiled sweetly at him.
"A memory, is all ."
He "hn" ed, though his gaze told her he wasn't thoroughly convinced that her fits of smiles and giggles had been entirely in good nature.
She ignored him anyway, not wanting to draw attention to herself. She knew well enough Sesshomaru was not stupid man, demon, and he would detect any real dishonesty and strategic planning.
She let the sheet fall from around her perfectly slimmed bodied, and his gazed waivered. Fighting to keep her complaints in, she quickly dressed.
"Where are you going?"
She pushed open the glass doors of the balcony. A strong gust of icy wind hit her cheeks like daggers.
"To see an old friend." She almost chuckled at her truthfulness. "I'll be back in a few hours time."
He scoffed, and pretended to be ignoring her presence again.
"Don't bother, but I know you will anyway."
Anna growled, and jumped off the railing. She landed gracefully on the soft grass 50 feet below. Her speed quickened to a fast paced run; using trees to push herself off into the forest. Traveling by car was so boring; when had the old ways made way for these odd ones?
The wind felt good against her hot skin; her anger slowly bled out into the cool night. In a matter of minuets, she reached her destination. It was an open and grassy area with huge boulders surrounding it.
Taking a few steps to stand near the only tree in the clearing, Anna squinted.
"Hey, Yurin? You there?" There was nothing but the sound of the howling wing against the trees. Then, a raccoon like animal crawled out of no where, making Anna jump in surprise.
Her eyes angrily fixated on the weird animal.
"Honesty, Yurin. Haven't you matured in the least?"
Yurin blinked his crystal eyes slowly. "You give me too many compliments, Lady Anna. What can an old magician do for you?"
She rolled her eyes. For centuries the demon population has referred to Yurin's 'powers' as magician magic of some sort, but Anna did not like to go with the general public. Still, she herself had no idea how he made some seemingly magical things indeed happen.
"I need a small favor." Her lips twisted into a cruel smile. Yurin grinned his furry lips at her.
"Why do I know it has something to do with Sesshomaru?"
Anna raised a perfectly trimmed eyebrow.
"I need to get rid of a human girl."
V
Rin watched out of her window as a woman with very long hair flash by until she disappeared into the words. Even though she had never seen her before, she knew the moment she saw her who exactly she was.
Anna was not as clever as she thought she was. Jealousy ate at her insides. She knew Sesshomaru had 'entertained' her presence. She tried to refrain from getting upset. Naturally, his wife would be here. He had remarried, and this was probably her house as well as his.
The only intruder was her. Rin rubbed her face, and exhaled a tired sigh. She tired to let Anna leave her mind, but she couldn't. Did that woman warm her mate's bed every night? Was she touching his delicate silver tresses with her sneaky fingers?
Her feet carried here out into the hall where she quickly took control and headed for his room. Again, she didn't knock, but barged in and prepared to actually get belligerent this time around.
The musky smell of recent sex was still in the air, and Rin almost lost it. Her brain was going crazy; her heart was thumping traumatically. She spotted Sesshomaru then; he was beginning to stand, a blank look blanketed his face.
It took three long strides to reach him and one quick fling of her hand to slap him. He hadn't seen it coming, and he was at first too stunned to process her actions. Then she realized she was pinned to the wall and staring into what she deemed ambered fury orbs.
"Get off of me, you cheat."
He scoffed at her then; she could feel his sharp claws poking through her thick sweater.
"The only person I have cheated on is Anna herself. Unfortunately for you, I do have a wife."
He released her, and took a few steps back. She watched him with cynical eyes.
"So what, you just alternate between us like some old pervert?" The flash of bewilderment that shone in his eyes did nothing short of surprising her. Yet her eyes traveled to the rumpled bed, and it ignited her fury.
"Couldn't you have waited until I left?"
She dropped dejectedly onto the ground. He watched her for a moment, and then surprised her by lowering his self to sit beside her.
"I'm sorry." Her murmur was quiet, almost a whisper but she knew his hearing caught it perfectly well.
"There is nothing to forgive, mate." He reached out and played with a strand of her hair.
"I saw her, leaving." He said nothing, only continued to twirl a tendril from her head.
"She's very pretty; I see why you won't miss me…" He let her hair go, and she felt his fingers delicately touch her face.
"I adore you, mate. She will never mean to me what you have always and will always mean to me."
Her eyes widen at his uncharacteristic like comment, but it was quickly dismissed when he placed a brief kiss on her forehead.
"Sesshomaru, we have forever to get this right." Her voice was almost like a small child begging for a sweet before dinner. He regarded her with no sympathy; the way he always had.
" The feeling of having to be near me will dissipate soon; you'll better ignore then. There's no changing Rin. No restart, no fresh beginning. It can not be done."
She kept waiting for an apology; every time she expected the words to at least slip his tongue, but he looked at her expectantly, and she signed.
They sat there for what seemed like hours; Her head rested warmly on him and he had an arm loosely around her waste. She was drifting in and out of the realm of sleep when there was a quiet but noticeable thump.
Her eyes opened just in time to see Anna; the look of disgust on her face was so pure. Rin gasped, and stared at the bow she now held; her nimble fingers quickly pulled back the cord that would launch the arrow that was mounted.
Sesshomaru seemed to be in slow motion; his normally fast moments conquered by drowsy confusion. She could only watch fearfully as the cursed weapon was released with great ease.
"Good bye. Rin. You were always such a bother."
Everything was a blur. Sesshomaru's face came into view, and then he faded out. She knew the arrow had hit her, because somewhere she heard him say it was poison tipped. Sound started running together, until it was gone altogether.
The last thing she remembered seeing was his bright amber eyes, and the look of pure…fear? Then, nothing.
V
Spinning. Her head was spinning. Squeezing her already closed eyes, Rin groaned and rolled onto her back. She sat there for a moment, gathering her thoughts. And then she remembered instantly, and sat up so fast her head was sent into another wave of dizziness.
She gasped, and looked around slowly. She remembered Anna shooting her with the arrow; the look of pure enjoyed evil that presented on her face.
Beautiful monster.
What was even more confusing was the fact that she was lying in an alley; filthy with trash and grim. Her clothes were shabby and worn; something she did not remember having on at the time of the attack.
Just what the hell was going on?
She attempted to stand, and fell down. This went of for several moments until she was shakily on her two feet. Using the wall as a guide, she felt her way out and onto the sideway. Dozens and dozens of people walked by her; some giving her a sympathetic look and others scrunching up their noses at her.
She groaned, and felt her dirty hair. She needed to find Sesshomaru. He would know what happened. She immersed herself into the fast paced walk of society; occasionally direction faltered aberrantly, but she found her way after a few hours.
Her stomach grumbled painful and her legs burned. The long walk up Sesshomaru's driveway seemed to take forever. She was nothing short of gracious when the huge granite door loomed into view. She stumbled up onto the steps, relief flowing through every muscle in her body.
Her weak hand knocked hard on the door, and rung the bell more then she should of. She was forced to wait a few moments while she heard a women's voice scream she was coming. The door clicked as a lock was being taken off, and she opened the door.
The women peered offensively out the door she opened only a small fraction, and the frown on her face deepened when she saw Rin.
"I'm sorry sweetie, did you get lost perhaps?"
Rin ground her teeth; those green eyes ignited a ferocious burst of fury. She was quick to push Anna back into the house and jump on her.
"You bitch! What did you do?" She circled her dirty fingers around her neck, and Anna's eyes widened considerable at her aggression. It didn't last long, however, when she was practically picked and slammed against a wall. She gasped as all the air left her lungs, and fell to the wood floor coughing.
An unsteady glance told her Sesshomaru was more then unhappy while he picked his wife up off the floor. His glare was completely directed to her when he was done evaluating her well being. Anna looked quite shaken. Confused, Rin attempted to stand.
"Who are you, and why were you attacking my wife?"
His cold dispassionate voice crept out and bit her icily; she had to refrain from shuddering.
"Sesshomaru, you know why! She tried to kill me , last night…wait." She paused, studying Anna's confused face and Sesshomaru's annoyed one.
Anna leaned into him. "Sesshomaru, you know her?"
Rin shook her head, jolted by the things that were unfolding around her.
"Who am I? You don't know who I am?"
When her gaze met Sesshomaru's, he frowned. "Obviously not." He patted Anna's back.
"But I would think the police could look that up when they get here, hm?"
She was too shocked and confused to register anything he was saying. He didn't know her? What kind of sick game was this?
Her mind raced back to the events of that night, trying to pull out any important facts she missed.
"It was a poison tipped arrow"
She gasped, and backed a step away from the couple. The arrow Anna shot at her, had it been poisoned with something that changed her? Her mind raced and her body started twitching involuntarily.
Anna stepped forward. "Are you okay? Do you need help?" Rin backed up further, casting Sesshomaru one last look before she raced out of the door. On the step she fumbled and scraped her knee, but she lifted her body and sprinted down the lawn.
Behind her she heard Anna yell something, but her heart was pumping too loud in her ears to hear. She ran into the nearby forest; going until she tripped over an upraised root and fell agroof. Her face stung when she lifted herself slowly, only to find her skin wet with tears.
What had happened that Sesshomaru didn't know her? She cried quietly, sniffing and rubbed her nose against the thin material that made her clothes.
"Excuse me, young lady."
Rin jumped, and swung her head around until she came face to face with a beaver like creature. She frowned and wiped her tear stained face.
"Did you just speak?" The creature nodded, and Rin, spooked, scooted back from her seat on the ground.
The thing cooked his head to the side. "My name's Yurin. You seemed to be very upset; may I ask what's wrong?"
Rin sniffed, and looked meekly at the furry animal.
"It's a long story. My mate, Sesshomaru and I have been recently together. But his wife who he took after my first death came into the picture and shot me with some type of poison arrow. And I just found myself lying in an alley somewhere and when I went to find Sesshomaru he didn't know who I was. It's like I was written out of a story; never meeting him in my life and he doesn't know me now."
Yurin's small head nodded, and he muttered some 'mhms' before inching closer.
"A complicated story indeed. Say, The second wife, her name wouldn't happen to be Anna, perhaps?"
Rin's eyes widened, and she lowered her head closer to the strange talking raccoon, beaver, something.
"How'd you know that?" Yurin scratched his ear.
"She came and asked me to make the very poison for her just yesterday. She doesn't remember now because she has altered with the course of time, naturally, but I do." Her eyes were still widened, now mixed with confusion and horror.
"You made it? And she altered the time how?" Yurin gazed at her sympathetically.
"This too is a long story. Shooting you with that serum has allowed her to enter your past and alter something. In your case, it sounds like she prevented you meeting Sesshomaru in the first place. Make sense?"
The tears came again; this time large hot tears that came relentlessly. Yurin was obviously uncomfortable, and he talked loudly over the loud brawling.
"There is a way I can help you, you know."
Rin looked at Yurin through reddened eyes; her lips trembled.
"How? How could I undo something like that?" Yurin smiled proudly. "I'm what you can call, a magician." He seemed to wait for some type of excitement over the term, and grouched a little when she stared blankly.
"Anyway, I can grant you your deepest desire. You want to be with Sesshomaru, do you not? I can undo Anna's mess if you like." The woman licked her dry lips and gazed around the clearing. When her brown eyes settled back on Yurin she sadly shook her head.
" Maybe this is for the best. Me and Sesshomaru never meeting, the bond never being made. Maybe Anna made the right move. Besides, I'm just human. He told me himself he would never have a kid by me."
She lowered her head, and signed. Yurin tsked. "Did you not hear magician? Girl, I know who you are, Rin, and your whole situation. Now there is a solution. If you're the strong person I know you are, then I will gladly help you. But my powers don't work on the week minded. So who are you? Rin, weak human? Or Rin, the girl who made a promise to her lord?"
She perked up, moved by his words. He was right.
I made a promise to never give up.
She straightened up, and mustered up all her strength into her heart.
" Now, I will grant you three things. One, I will send you back 300 years prior, to the Lord Sesshomaru's era. Two, I will transform you completely into a full blooded demon. And Three, I will give you some very much needed, warrior skills.
Thanks for reading, Review please =]